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Altaria is a premier wall in ZU thanks to its ability to reliably answer powerful physical and special attackers such as Thwackey, Ninetales, Tangela, and Sawk. Toxic allows Altaria to put foes on a timer, letting it comfortably use Defog against entry hazard setters such as Piloswine and Miltank. Hurricane is Altaria's strongest STAB move, letting it threaten foes such as Qwilfish, Gurdurr, and Thwackey. Earthquake is an alternative that targets Toxic-immune foes such as Skuntank and Klinklang, while allowing Altaria to take on Fire-types more easily. The given EV spread allows Altaria to outspeed Adamant Piloswine and Jolly Rhydon and avoid the 2HKO from Choice Specs Thievul while maximizing its physical bulk. Altaria is an excellent pick for balance and stall teams looking for a Defogger and a check to Fire-types. Offensive Fire-types like Rapidash and Ninetales can take advantage of Altaria's checks such as Clefairy, Rhydon, and Froslass while benefitting from Altaria walling opposing Fire- and Water-types. These two are also checks to Ice-types, and additional checks such as Piloswine, Poliwrath, and Miltank make for great partners, handling Altaria's biggest weakness. Other walls such as Pyukumuku, Rhydon, and Miltank appreciate Altaria's ability to absorb status for them; in return, they can handle threats that Altaria struggles with such as Jynx and Flapple. Choice Scarf users such as Sawk and Rotom can revenge kill the threats that can muscle through Altaria.

Mega Altaria can be a potent wincon and also sports excellent defensive utility. Mega Altaria's solid natural bulk, Roost, and solid resistances make it a great check to Ash-Greninja, Zapdos, and non-Ice Beam Mega Latias, setting up freely on them. However, its average Speed tier and relatively poor damage output without multiple boosts make it mediocre in practice. Frustration is Mega Altaria's best attacking move, its already solid Base Power further bolstered by Pixilate and STAB, denting even resistant foes like Ferrothorn and Corviknight hard when boosted. Earthquake allows Mega Altaria to pressure Steel- and Poison-types, which resist Fairy, such as Toxapex, Heatran, and Melmetal. The given EV spread allows Mega Altaria to 2HKO defensive Clefable at +1, survive two Mega Lopunny Frustrations—allowing Mega Altaria to set up on it—and outspeed Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Kyurem after a Dragon Dance. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Defense to take hits from Zapdos, Mega Charizard Y, and Ash-Greninja better. Mega Altaria fits on bulky teams that can wear down its checks like Ferrothorn, Melmetal, and Mega Scizor to facilitate a late-game sweep. Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Slowbro, and Landorus-T all appreciate Mega Altaria's unique defensive utility; it either secondarily checks or outright handles threats like Ash-Greninja, Heatran, Mega Charizard Y, and Zapdos that force them out. In return, these Pokemon provide a solid defensive backbone against Steel- and Ice-types such as Mega Scizor, Melmetal, and Weavile. Entry hazards such as Spikes from Greninja and the aforementioned Ferrothorn enormously benefit Mega Altaria, as they help wear down its checks into range of its boosted attacks. Pokemon such as Heatran and Fightinium Z Kartana work extremely well with Mega Altaria, as they force out, pressure, and force damage on the Steel-types that check it. Magnezone in particular deserves a special mention, as it can instantly trap and remove pesky Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn, paving the way for a Mega Altaria sweep. Volcarona with Psychic, Electrium Z Rotom-W, and Groundium Z Greninja bait in and remove Toxapex, which Mega Altaria can struggle to break through.

Mega Altaria is a fearsome setup sweeper thanks to its good bulk and Roost enabling it to set up with Dragon Dance, and its ability Pixilate makes it dominate Dark and Dragon matchups. It also gives Dragon-type teams a much needed Dragon immunity for mirror matchups. After Dragon Dance, Mega Altaria can outpace and take care of Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and non-Choice Scarf Greninja. Earthquake is used to hit Pokemon like Alolan Muk, Toxapex, and Heatran. Teammates like Latias, Latios, and Hydreigon love Mega Altaria for threatening Dark and Fighting-types like Mega Sableye, Hydreigon, and Terrakion. Garchomp is a much needed partner to take care of Steel-types like Excadrill and Mega Scizor. It also takes care of Poison-types like Toxapex and provides Stealth Rock support. Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Kommo-o are vital to handle Steel-types that Mega Altaria cannot beat like Celesteela, Jirachi, and Skarmory. Dragonite can help with walls such as Blissey and Celesteela if running Choice Band or can use Dragon Dance to take care of Pokemon like Heatran and Mega Venusaur. Mega Altaria has trouble with Poison-types like Toxapex and Mega Venusaur, so it loves partners like Latios and Latias, which can also provide Defog support to get rid of troublesome entry hazards. Zygarde-10% and Duraludon greatly help against Fairy teams, taking care of Mega Diancie and Tapu Lele, which unboosted Mega Altaria struggles against.

Dragon Dance is able to turn Dark, Fighting, and Dragon matchups in Mega Altaria's favor while outpacing threats like Greninja and Keldeo after one Dragon Dance. Refresh is the preferred move in the last slot that allows Mega Altaria to freely set up on Pokemon that run status-inducing moves like Mega Sableye, Blissey, Porygon2, and Klefki. Heal Bell can be ran over Refresh to heal teammates' status as well. Natural Cure lets Altaria absorb status for teammates before Mega Evolving. 252 HP EVs allow Mega Altaria to set up on Porygon2 and Latias, while 16 Defense EVs allows Mega Altaria to be as bulky as possible. 240 EVs in Speed outpace Diggersby and Adamant Choice Band Dracovish. All teammates love Mega Altaria for coming in on Dragon-type attacks, taking care of Mega Sableye and the defensive core of Blissey and Porygon2, and using Heal Bell. Mega Altaria loves Garchomp for taking care of Steel-types like Excadrill and Mega Scizor. Garchomp can also provide Stealth Rock support to make Mega Altaria able to sweep better. Pokemon like Hydreigon and Kommo-o to take care of Steel-types like Celesteela, Melmetal, and Jirachi. Mega Altaria has trouble with Poison-types like Mega Venusaur and Nidoking, so Latias and Kyurem are great partners. Mega Altaria has trouble with strong and fast Fairy-types like Mega Diancie and Tapu Koko, so Choice Scarf Duraludon and Dragalge can take care of them. Latios and Latias are great Defog users, while Latias can also use Healing Wish. Dragalge is good to provide Mega Altaria with Toxic Spikes, improving the Fairy matchup and making it easier for Mega Altaria to sweep.

Moves Defog lets Altaria support its team by removing entry hazards, and Altaria is a notably good user of the move thanks to its ability to switch into certain hazard setters such as Mudsdale. Toxic allows Altaria to chip away at bulkier foes such as Eelektross and Regirock without relying on its mediocre offensive stats. It also puts a timer on attackers and sweepers such as Carracosta. Dragon Pulse prevents Pokemon such as Qwilfish and Haunter from freely using Taunt and Substitute against Altaria while also helping to rack up chip damage overall. Roost keeps Altaria healthy, allowing it to remove hazards and check Pokemon such as Swanna more comfortably throughout the game. Set Details 96 EVs are invested in Speed to outspeed Modest Jellicent, letting Altaria use Roost before taking an attack. Leftovers grants Altaria passive recovery during the match. Natural Cure relieves Altaria of status, mainly Toxic poison, upon switching out, which improves its matchup against opposing bulky Toxic users such as Regirock. It also helps Altaria check threats such as Lanturn lacking Ice Beam. Usage Tips Altaria should generally be brought in against foes that it walls, such as Eelektross, and use the forced switch as an opportunity to Defog any entry hazards that are on your side of the field. If there are no hazards to remove or if they are of little concern, Altaria can instead focus on spreading Toxic poison throughout the opposing team to weaken them for late-game. Use Roost whenever Altaria's health begins to dwindle, as it otherwise may not be able to switch into Stealth Rock later in the game to use Defog. It will also have trouble checking threats such as Primeape and Haunter if it's not at full health. If the opponent has a Pokemon that Altaria invites in for free, such as Aggron or Aurorus, double switching is a smart play, as said Pokemon can wreak havoc once on the field. Thanks to Altaria's Natural Cure and good matchup against certain Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Thunder Wave users such as Regirock, Jellicent, and Qwilfish, Altaria can be used as a status sponge and pivot into said Pokemon for teammates. Team Options Due to Altaria's passive nature, it usually belongs on bulkier builds such as balance, bulky offense, and stall due to its ability to check otherwise troublesome threats such as Simisear and Eelektross. Its passive nature also makes it undesirable on offensive or hyper offensive builds, which are often more momentum based. Pokemon susceptible to entry hazard chip damage such as Aurorus and Lanturn appreciate Altaria's Defog support increasing their longevity. The latter has decent defensive synergy with Altaria; Lanturn offers a check to Aurorus, while Altaria beats Eelektross and Grass-types such as Lurantis. Checks to Ice-types such as Jynx and Aurorus are greatly appreciated. Poliwrath and Lanturn can check Ice-types decently if they're wary of Freeze-Dry or secondary STAB attacks from Pokemon such as Abomasnow. They appreciate Altaria removing Spikes and Toxic Spikes in return; Poliwrath can also check Rock-types such as Aggron in exchange. Sturdier defensive answers to Ice-types also include Bronzor, Alolan Sandslash, and Assault Vest Crabominable, with the latter greatly appreciating Altaria's Defog due to its vulnerability to chip damage. Altaria's passiveness often invites many powerful physical attackers such as Aggron, Hitmonchan, and Alolan Sandslash in for little to no cost. Checks to such Pokemon are appreciated. Gurdurr does well at checking all three, as does Poliwrath. More defensive partners such as Sableye and Tangela accomplish a similar role and help whittle down the opposing team with status, Leech Seed, and Knock Off. In return, Altaria checks special attackers such as Swanna and removes Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Altaria likes a teammate to beat Clefairy, as it ignores Altaria's Toxic and Dragon Pulse and can repeatedly set Stealth Rock or set up with Calm Mind. Aggron and Alolan Sandslash beat it quite comfortably and appreciate Altaria's ability to check special attackers. Altaria synergizes well with typical stall picks such as Audino and Pyukumuku, as they appreciate its ability to remove hazards and check threats such as Kangaskhan and Aurorus. Natu or a secondary hazard remover such as Articuno or Skuntank can be used in addition to Altaria on such archetypes to give the team a better matchup against Spikes Qwilfish, which can otherwise annoy Altaria with Taunt.

Moves Return is Mega Altaria's most consistent STAB move. Refresh and Roost keep Mega Altaria healthy and allow it to set up multiple boosts on Pokemon that rely on status to threaten it like Empoleon, Alomomola, and Gligar. Refresh also allows it to act as a reliable status absorber even after Mega Evolving. Set Details Maximum Attack and Speed investment with an Adamant nature is chosen to hit as hard and as fast as possible, but some Speed can be dropped. Using 192 Speed EVs allows Mega Altaria to outspeed Starmie after a boost while still outspeeding Primarina without one. Alternatively, 204 Speed EVs can be used with a Jolly nature in order to outspeed Mega Manectric after a boost. Finally, maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature can be used in order to guarantee a Speed tie at worst against opposing Altaria and to outspeed foes like Zeraora after a boost, but these spreads are not recommended, as Mega Manectric and Zeraora struggle to harm Mega Altaria significantly regardless. Usage Tips This set can be played more liberally against bulky teams, being able to freely set up in front of foes like Gligar and Blissey without fear and being able to pivot into Pokemon like Hydreigon and Rotom-H. It's still not recommended to bring Mega Altaria in on strong attacks, though, because it's quite easy to wear down in combination with Stealth Rock. Try to set up on Pokemon that can't threaten Mega Altaria significantly like Rotom-H, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Crawdaunt. Avoid setting up when Steel-types like Mega Steelix and Doublade are still active, as well as Poison-types like Amoonguss and healthy Nidoqueen, as this set has no way of removing them. Be sure to keep Mega Altaria healthy with Roost and Refresh as much as possible, as this set can often set up multiple times throughout a game. Mega Evolving as soon as possible is recommended so that Mega Altaria can check Pokemon like Hydreigon with ease. Team Options Removing Steel-types is of utmost importance when using this set, as it cannot threaten them without accruing a lot of boosts, so teammates like Krookodile and Moltres are recommended. Krookodile can also Pursuit trap certain targets like Doublade and Gengar, while Moltres can remove Pokemon like Amoonguss and Hippowdon and also checks Scizor. Reliable Scizor checks are incredibly important with this set; Rotom-H, Volcanion, Amoonguss, and Cobalion are solid options for this role. Scizor also makes for a good partner that can also lure in and weaken Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix with Superpower and Pursuit trap Pokemon like Doublade. Nidoqueen can perform a similar role of weakening Steel-types while setting Stealth Rock for Mega Altaria, which helps with weakening Pokemon like Moltres that Mega Altaria can struggle to break through quickly. Against stall teams, this set can find it easy to sweep if Pokemon like Quagsire and Scizor are removed. As a result, lures to Quagsire like Calm Mind Cobalion and Grass Knot Infernape make for good partners. These Pokemon can also crush Steel-types for Mega Altaria, and Infernape can fry Amoonguss.

Moves Return is Altaria's most reliable STAB move and is chosen over other options like Body Slam to ensure that the paralysis caused doesn't interfere with other status conditions inflicted by Mega Altaria's teammates. Body Slam can be used on less stall-oriented teams, though, where the paralysis chance can be helpful. Flamethrower does good damage to Steel-types like Scizor and Doublade that would otherwise come in on this set for free, but Dragon Dance can be used instead on stall or semistall teams, allowing Mega Altaria to act as a strong and bulky wincon. Defog is another option that can be used if required, as Mega Altaria has a solid matchup against certain hazard setters like Chesnaught and Krookodile. Defog can also be used over Heal Bell on more offensive teams, but on stall teams it's not recommended because cleric support can otherwise be hard to fit without Articuno. Defog should also never be used with Dragon Dance. Roost keeps Mega Altaria healthy throughout a game and allows it to continuously check foes like Crawdaunt and Infernape. Set Details 56 Speed EVs are used so that Mega Altaria can outspeed Crawdaunt, making it easier to avoid a 2HKO and ensuring Crawdaunt can't beat Mega Altaria with a boosted Hydro Vortex. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP and Defense to better check foes like Swords Dance Infernape, Crawdaunt, and Haxorus. The Speed EVs can be dropped on Dragon Dance variants, though. Natural Cure is chosen as the ability pre-Mega Evolution so that Mega Altaria doesn't have to use Heal Bell as often. Usage Tips Defensive Mega Altaria should be used liberally to check Pokemon that can't hurt it significantly like Crawdaunt, Krookodile, and Hydreigon. Be sure to keep it healthy with Roost, since it's vulnerable to all forms of chip damage and doesn't have any form of passive recovery to offset it. If running Defog, switch Mega Altaria into entry hazard setters that it has a good matchup against like Chesnaught and Krookodile so that it can remove their hazards. Dragon Dance variants are potent late-game wincons and shouldn't set up early-game. Conserve Mega Altaria's HP and set it up safely when the foe's Steel- and Poison-types have been removed. Be conscious of Heal Bell's low PP, as using it too often can lead to Mega Altaria and its teammates being permanently debilitated by status conditions. Altaria should generally Mega Evolve as early as possible in order to gain the typing it needs to check foes like Crawdaunt and Hydreigon, but sometimes it's better not to if the foe has a Pokemon like Groundium Z Krookodile that can attempt to cripple or muscle through Mega Altaria. Team Options Defensive variants of Mega Altaria are most at home on balance and stall teams, where its ability to handle Pokemon like Taunt Hydreigon, Crawdaunt, and Infernape that would otherwise shred bulky teams is very appreciated. Blissey is a very notable teammate, handling powerful special attackers that Mega Altaria can't deal with like Nihilego, Nidoqueen, and Primarina, and Mega Altaria can handle physical attackers like Infernape and Zeraora in return. Gligar can provide Defog support and can check certain Pokemon that Mega Altaria struggles with like Terrakion, Cobalion, and Mimikyu. Alomomola can also blanket check these physical attackers and provide Wish support, appreciating Mega Altaria's Heal Bell support in return. Nihilego can provide Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes support and can also check Togekiss, while Mega Altaria checks Ground-types like Hippowdon and Krookodile in return. Quagsire acts as a solid answer to setup sweepers that Mega Altaria can't check on its own, like Doublade, Scizor, and opposing Mega Altaria, and it appreciates Mega Altaria's Heal Bell support a lot. Doublade can check Terrakion and resists or is immune to the Steel- and Poison-type attacks that Mega Altaria attracts from the likes of Cobalion and Nihilego, making it an effective partner. Pyukumuku is also a helpful partner for its ability to more reliably handle Pokemon like Substitute Chandelure and Nasty Plot Infernape.

Moves Return and Earthquake combine to create a solid offensive combination that's nearly unresisted in UU, with only Crobat, Bronzong, Talonflame, Rotom-H and Moltres being able to handle both, giving Mega Altaria a lot of immediate power and allowing it to sweep through balanced and offensive teams alike. Facade can be used over Return, allowing Mega Altaria to take advantage of the status ailments it usually ends up falling victim to, most notably Scald burns from bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Empoleon. Fire Blast complements Facade by frying Steel-types like Scizor, and it doesn't get weakened if Mega Altaria is burned, unlike Earthquake. Facade and Fire Blast notably give Mega Altaria a phenomenal matchup against stall teams if it's afflicted with status. Roost keeps Mega Altaria healthy over the course of a game so that it can continuously check Pokemon like Crawdaunt and Hydreigon. Set Details Maximum Speed investment with an Adamant nature makes Mega Altaria as fast and strong as possible, outspeeding threats like Starmie after a boost. An alternative EV spread of 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe can be used; the added bulk makes it easier for Mega Altaria to pivot into Pokemon like Crawdaunt, and it can still outspeed Timid Primarina before a boost in addition to outspeeding Starmie after one. Natural Cure is chosen as Mega Altaria's ability to prevent it from being crippled by status moves like Toxic, which is especially useful if it's not running Facade. It also allows it to act as a status sponge before Mega Evolving. Usage Tips While Mega Altaria's typing and bulk make it pretty resilient, it shouldn't always be sent directly into foes like Hydreigon and Infernape, as they can hit it hard with coverage moves like Flash Cannon and Gunk Shot that can cripple it heavily. Mega Evolving as soon as possible is recommended unless Altaria needs to maintain Natural Cure, as it removes Altaria's Stealth Rock weakness and gives it the typing change necessary to pivot into foes like Zeraora. However, if a foe has a Pokemon like Choice Scarf Krookodile, it can be beneficial to wait to Mega Evolve, as Altaria can set up freely on a Choice-locked Earthquake. Altaria is also better at pivoting into Volcanion before Mega Evolving. It's best not to set up with Dragon Dance immediately, since most teams will carry checks to Mega Altaria like Scizor, Mega Aggron, and Doublade. Instead, attacking early-game can weaken these Pokemon to let Mega Altaria sweep late-game or open holes for its teammates. Setting up on foes that can't hurt Mega Altaria significantly is recommended, as it doesn't usually want to waste turns using Roost. Pokemon like Rotom-H, Hydreigon, and Latias are good examples, though Mega Altaria must be wary of Flash Cannon from Hydreigon. Keep Mega Altaria as healthy as possible with Roost, as residual damage from entry hazards can lead to Mega Altaria being worn down very quickly. In stall matchups, try to switch Altaria into Scald from Pokemon like Alomomola and Quagsire to power up its Facade and make it far more powerful. Natural Cure allows Mega Altaria to be played liberally, as it can absorb Toxic from them if required and continuously pivot until it is ideally inflicted with a burn. If they're not carrying Scald, it can often be worthwhile to allow Mega Altaria to be afflicted with poison so that it can break down their defensive cores with Facade, though it'll be worn down quicker itself. Team Options This set fits best on balance and offensive teams that appreciate Mega Altaria's sweeping potential and ability to contribute to the team's defensive backbone. Partners that can break through Pokemon that Mega Altaria struggles with like Amoonguss, Nidoqueen, and Mega Aggron are helpful, so Mega Altaria pairs well with Pokemon like Rotom-H and Infernape. Rotom-H can also bring Mega Altaria in on Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon with Volt Switch. Scizor is also an excellent partner, weakening these shared checks and being able to check Pokemon that can revenge kill a boosted Mega Altaria like Mega Aerodactyl and Mamoswine, while Mega Altaria can handle Rotom-H for Scizor. Entry hazard support from Pokemon like Rhyperior and Krookodile is helpful too, putting Pokemon like Amoonguss in range of two Fire Blasts. Rhyperior can also check Moltres and Toxic Rotom-H for Mega Altaria. Empoleon also makes for a good teammate, being able to set Stealth Rock for Mega Altaria and also checking nuisances like Tentacruel, Sylveon, Latias, and Klefki. Nidoqueen is a notable partner that can set Stealth Rock, weaken Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix, and absorb Toxic Spikes for Mega Altaria. It also appreciates Mega Altaria's ability to check Pokemon like Krookodile and Latias in return. Doublade and Amoonguss make for good partners that can check Scizor for Mega Altaria. They also appreciate Mega Altaria's ability to check Hydreigon, Latias, and Rotom-H.

Moves Hyper Voice and Fire Blast create a potent attacking combination that can lay the hurt on typical Mega Altaria answers like Amoonguss, Mega Steelix and Doublade. Toxic is used to cripple Pokemon that resist Mega Altaria's attacking combination, most notably Rotom-H, Moltres, and Volcanion. It's also helpful for crippling other soft checks like Hippowdon. Roost keeps Mega Altaria healthy throughout the course of a game. Set Details The given HP and Defense EVs ensure that Mega Altaria can survive a Bullet Punch from Choice Band Scizor and melt it with Fire Blast if required. 96 Speed EVs are used to get the jump on Pokemon like Modest Primarina and Adamant Bewear, and the rest of the EVs maximize Mega Altaria's overall power. Natural Cure is chosen as the ability pre-Mega Evolution to help Mega Altaria shrug off status conditions from Pokemon it switches into like Quagsire and Rotom-H. Usage Tips This set is a good lure to common Pokemon like Amoonguss and Doublade, so try to catch them on the switch with Fire Blast. This set is still very bulky, so don't be afraid to use it to check Pokemon like Hydreigon and Crawdaunt if needs be; be sure to keep it healthy with Roost, though. It's often not a bad idea to tank a Bullet Punch from Choice Band Scizor and hit it with a Fire Blast in return to free up teammates such as Terrakion. Bring Mega Altaria in on Pokemon that can't really hurt it like Chesnaught and Zeraora so that it can fire off strong attacks. Mega Evolving as early as possible is recommended in order to better check foes like Hydreigon and Crawdaunt. Team Options This set has no way of hurting Pokemon like Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, and Nihilego, so strong Ground-types like Krookodile and Mamoswine are helpful for their ability to threaten them. Stealth Rock support is recommended to weaken the Fire-types that wall this set, since Mega Altaria's best way to threaten them is Toxic. Reliable setters include Rhyperior, Cobalion, and the aforementioned Krookodile. Other Steel-types like Doublade and Scizor make for excellent partners that can check Pokemon like Nihilego, Cobalion, and Togekiss. Scizor can also bring Mega Altaria in safely on Pokemon like Amoonguss with U-turn and it can Pursuit trap Nihilego too. Other wallbreakers like Nidoking, Infernape, and Terrakion pair well with Mega Altaria, being able to blow up Pokemon it struggles with like Tentacruel, Nihilego, and Toxic Rotom-H. Pokemon that can take advantage of Mega Altaria's ability to lure in and remove Steel-types, such as Mimikyu, Terrakion, and Haxorus, also make for good partners. Gligar is a notably great partner that can check Pokemon like Hippowdon and Rotom-H with much more ease if Mega Altaria lands a Toxic on them, making it a much more reliable Defogger and wall.

Moves Roost allows Altaria to repeatedly check attackers and continuously switch into Stealth Rock. Moreover, Roost causes Altaria to lose its Flying typing, enabling it to play around Golem one-on-one. Toxic is used to wear down foes that Flamethrower does not hit for super effective damage, such as Electivire and Swanna. Conversely, Flamethrower enables Altaria to prevent Pokemon like Pawniard and Pinsir from freely setting up on it. Set Details The given EVs allow Altaria to outpace Adamant Pawniard and maximize its physical bulk in order to check Pokemon such as Swords Dance Combusken and Rapidash. Moreover, Altaria forgoes special bulk investment, since most special attackers tend to run Ice-type coverage to hit it anyway. Usage Tips Altaria walls much of the metagame, and as a result it can find opportunities to Defog on many Pokemon such as Choice-locked Floatzel, Gourgeist-XL, and Swords Dance Combusken. However, Altaria often fails to switch into most Stealth Rock setters, so it should instead pivot into resisted attacks and use Defog on Pokemon it forces out. While Altaria can be used to blanket check threats due to its typing, it should be wary of Ice-type coverage from the likes of Combusken, Kecleon, and Silvally-Fighting. Altaria should also be used to check more passive Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL due to its ability to absorb status and spread Toxic. In the same vein, Altaria should look to Toxic stall foes and continually use Roost to keep itself healthy. For example, Altaria is able to Toxic stall defensive Golem through Roost. However, it is fairly passive and invites in wallbreakers such as Choice Band Komala and Floatzel. As a result, Altaria can be used to bait in Pokemon it cannot beat and provide an opportunity to double switch, although it has to be wary of Stealth Rock. Lastly, Altaria should make use of Flamethrower and its Speed tier to prevent Steel-types such as Pawniard and Mawile from switching in freely or setting up. Team Options Altaria can form fantastic defensive backbones with Pokemon such as Bronzor, Lickilicky, Gourgeist-XL, and Silvally-Water thanks to its plethora of useful resistances. Moreover, these partners help check Pokemon that Altaria struggles with such as Golem, Swords Dance Pinsir, and Choice Specs Floatzel, respectively. It is important to note that defensive cores involving Altaria mainly fit on bulkier or more defensive builds due to their passive nature. Altaria highly appreciates Water-type Pokemon such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, and Silvally-Water, which can pivot into Ice-type attacks or check Rock-type Pokemon. Pokemon that appreciate entry hazard removal such as Rapidash, Pinsir, and Raichu are also good partners. In turn, they help check Pokemon such as Bronzor and Simipour, which Altaria struggles with. In the same token, strong breakers such as Expert Belt Electivire and Choice Band Komala appreciate Altaria's ability to bait in Pokemon so they can come in through aggressive double switches. Lastly, on more defensive teams, entry hazard removers such as Avalugg and Komala can be used alongside Altaria, since it is pressured by entry hazard setters such as Golem and Bronzor.

Moves Cotton Guard allows Mega Altaria to boost its Defense and beat Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X, Zygarde, Donphan, and physical Dragonite. Roost is the only source of recovery Mega Altaria receives outside of Rest, allowing it to recover damage after tanking hits from attackers such as Donphan, Golem, Zeraora, and Zygarde-C. Hyper Voice hits decently hard after Mega Evolving, hitting Pokemon such as Dragonite, Garchomp, and Zygarde-C super effectively while bypassing Substitute to beat Pokemon such as Whimsicott. Fire Blast is run as coverage to hit Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Kartana that beat Mega Altaria without it. Hyper Beam can be run as a stronger STAB attack than Hyper Voice or alongside it to beat Soundproof Kommo-o and Protean Greninja. Bulldoze can be used to beat Pokemon such as Magnezone, without worrying about Mirror Coat, and non-Hidden Power Ice Heatran. Set Details The given defensive investment with a Calm nature allows Mega Altaria to tank a Choice Specs Flash Cannon from Timid Genesect, as well as a Continental Crush followed by a Rock Wrecker from Crustle after one Cotton Guard. 16 Speed EVs allow Mega Altaria to outspeed Adamant Donphan. The remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to let Mega Altaria hit slightly harder. Alternatively, 240 HP / 80 Def / 92 SpD / 96 Spe with a Calm Nature can be run as well, in order to outspeeds neutral-natured Magnezone, although this will lose some reliability against Crustle, Flyinium Z Dragonite, and Haxorus. 248 HP / 172 Def / 8 SpA / 80 SpD and a Bold Nature can also be chosen in order to tank attacks from Choice Band Dragonite and Zeraora after Cotton Guard, and Choice Specs Pheromosa. This will unfortunately sacrifice the guaranteed Genesect matchup, however. Usage Tips Against Pokemon such as Groundium Z Landorus-T, Choice Band Kartana, Mega Scizor, and Choice Band Hoopa-U, not Mega Evolving retains Altaria's Dragon / Flying typing and lets it not take super effective damage from attacks Fairy is weak to, such as Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch and Hoopa-U's Gunk Shot. This turn can be used to set up Cotton Guard and Roost off damage taken previously and attack afterwards. These matchups may be mind games, however, such as if Hoopa-U predicts you to not Mega Evolve and hits Altaria with Ice Punch. Furthermore, avoid bringing it against Protean Greninja, as they carry Ice Beam. Team Options Fire-types such as Volcarona and both Charizard Mega Evolutions are highly appreciated due to the weakness that Mega Altaria possesses to Steel-types such as Mega Aggron and Mega Mawile. In return, Mega Altaria counters Mega Gyarados and Zeraora, which the aforementioned Pokemon struggle with. Pokemon with Sturdy such as Magnezone, Sawk, and Crustle function well with Mega Altaria, as they beat special wallbreakers such as Greninja and Naganadel, which can break through it. Mega Altaria in return beats Earthquake Mega Gyarados and Dragonite, which Magnezone struggles with. Mega Altaria takes care of Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Ferrothorn, which Crustle struggles with, and deals with Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X and Dragonite, while Sawk beats threats to Mega Altaria such as Heatran and Magearna. Fast teammates such as Zeraora and Greninja make up for Mega Altaria's lackluster Speed, as Zeraora beats opposing Water-types such as Greninja, Tapu Fini, and Primarina as well as Porygon-Z, while Greninja beats Mega Slowbro, Aegislash, and Heatran. In return, Mega Altaria beats Pokemon such as Garchomp and Landorus-T that Zeraora struggles with, as well as Pokemon like opposing Zeraora, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Lopunny that Greninja struggles with.

Moves Body Slam is Mega Altaria's only attacking move, letting it deal a decent amount of damage with a chance to paralyze the opposing Pokemon. Roost lets Mega Altaria recover its HP after switching into attacks, increasing its longevity on the field. Running Defog grants Mega Altaria the ability to remove entry hazards while freeing its teammates like Choice Scarf Latios from running it. Heal Bell gives Mega Altaria the ability to remove status effects from your team. Set Details 176 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature let Mega Altaria outspeed Adamant Dragonite, Adamant Diggersby, Jolly Bisharp, and Jolly Breloom. 252 HP and 80 Defense EVs make Mega Altaria as bulky as possible, letting it take hits such as Choice Scarf Greninja's Gunk Shot more comfortably. Natural Cure lets Altaria cure its status effect when it switches out, which can allow it to be used as a status sponge before it Mega Evolves. Altarianite lets Altaria Mega Evolve and grants it Pixilate, which transforms Body Slam into an effective STAB move. Usage Tips Try to Mega Evolve Altaria early-game to take advantage of its Fairy typing, which can be used to keep Dark- and Dragon-types under control and allow it to pivot more often and more safely due to the Pixilate and Defense boost it gets. In matchups such as against Poison- and Steel-type teams where Mega Altaria has very little to offer, not Mega Evolving is a decent choice of action, as Altaria can use Defog and Heal Bell safer and can utilize Natural Cure to act as a status sponge against common status spreaders like Toxapex. Use Mega Altaria's good defensive typing and decent natural bulk to pivot into Choice-locked foes such as Victini and Latios, as well as weak attacks from Pokemon like Mantine and Toxapex. However, make sure to restore its HP with Roost before it switches out so it can switch in and use Defog more consistently during the game. Try to spread paralysis with Body Slam against faster threats and Choice Scarf users such as Greninja to help your team. Use Defog to keep hazards away from your side of field, as Mega Altaria's capability of removing Stealth Rock safely helps with bringing in wallbreakers like Kyurem-B and Dragonite more consistently. Be wary of setup sweepers like Swords Dance Mega Scizor, as Mega Altaria's lack of offensive presence is easily punished; switch out to teammates like Garchomp and Dragonite that can handle those setup sweepers. Team Options Mega Altaria's part Fairy typing paired up with utility options such as Defog and Heal Bell makes it a valuable pick for every Dragon-type team, as its Dragon immunity will help with a mirror matchup. Dragonite makes an excellent partner to Mega Altaria, as Dragonite can break through Steel- and Poison-types like Mega Scizor and Toxapex with its moves while Mega Altaria keeps Dragonite safe from Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, as well as help keep its Multiscale up by removing Stealth Rock with Defog. Garchomp makes another good partner for Mega Altaria, as it can pressure Steel- and Poison-types with Earthquake as well as checking Scizor with Fire Blast. Its access to Stealth Rock will also help you pressure the opposing team's hazard removal Pokemon and slowly break through them, Garchomp can force their entry hazard removal Pokemon out with Dragon Tail and cripple them with Toxic. Mega Altaria's Defog benefits Pokemon like Choice Scarf Latios, as it gives a free slot to Latios for Hidden Power Steel to help with Mega Diancie, which is a huge threat to Dragon-type teams. Kyurem-B is another partner that appreciates Defog support, as its typing makes it very vulnerable to entry hazards. In addition to that, the paralysis from Body Slam make up for Kyurem-B's mediocre Speed stat, letting it outspeed Pokemon like Choice Scarf Greninja, Choice Scarf Keldeo, and Choice Scarf Terrakion. In return, Kyurem-B can deal with Mega Venusaur, Celesteela, and Toxapex for Mega Altaria. Kommo-o makes a decent partner for Mega Altaria, as it can beat common Stealth Rock setters like Hippowdon and Tyranitar as well as break through Steel-types with STAB-boosted Close Combat. In return, Mega Altaria keeps Kommo-o safe from Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Thunder Wave, allowing Kommo-o to be an effective late-game sweeper.

Moves Return is a powerful Fairy-type attack that keeps Mega Altaria from being setup bait and hits Dark-, Fighting-, and Dragon-types such as Tyranitar, Terrakion, and Hydreigon. Dragon Dance turns Mega Altaria into a potent setup sweeper. Roost allows Mega Altaria to maintain its HP. Refresh is preferred over Heal Bell because it has more PP, enabling Mega Altaria to beat bulky walls that rely on status such as Porygon2 and Chansey. Heal Bell can be used to get rid of teammates' status ailments as well. Set Details 240 EVs are put into Speed to allow Mega Altaria to naturally outspeed Adamant Diggersby and outpace Greninja after a boost. Maximum HP investment and 16 EVs in Defense along with an Impish nature ensures that Mega Altaria is as bulky as possible. Natural Cure is chosen over Cloud Nine because it allows Altaria to remove status if it doesn't Mega Evolve. Altarianite allows Altaria to become Mega Altaria, changing its ability to Pixilate. Pixilate turns Mega Altaria's Normal-type Attacks into slightly boosted Fairy-type attacks. Usage Tips Since Mega Altaria has good natural bulk along with HP and Defense investment, it should be switched into neutral STAB attacks because it can easily take multiple of them and recover the damage with Roost. If Mega Altaria is running Refresh, it is a great idea to use Mega Altaria to take on bulky walls such as Chansey and Porygon2. Preserve Heal Bell's PP, as Mega Altaria is otherwise susceptible to poison, paralysis, and burn making it impossible to sweep late-game. It is usually best to set up on Choice-locked Pokemon like Choice Band Dragonite and Choice Band Tapu Bulu. Remove Stealth Rock before switching pre-Mega Altaria in, because Mega Altaria can easily be revenge killed otherwise. With the extra HP investment, Mega Altaria can easily set up with Dragon Dance and then use its Attack boost to break through certain threats at the cost of very little of its HP. Team Options Mega Altaria is a welcome addition to any Dragon team because of its immunity to Dragon-type attacks, Heal Bell support, and excellent bulk. Garchomp can take multiple hits from Mega Scizor and KO it with Fire Blast. It can also set up Stealth Rock, somewhat making up for Mega Altaria's mediocre uninvested Attack stat. Latios can eliminate Poison-types that wall Mega Altaria such as Mega Venusaur and Nidoking. It also has Defog to remove entry hazards, making it much easier for Mega Altaria to set up. Latias has access to Defog and Healing Wish, the latter of which allows Altaria to take some unnecessary hits. Dragalge can set up Toxic Spikes, which wears down grounded threats to make up for Mega Altaria's uninvested Attack. Dragalge also has decent special bulk, meaning that Altaria doesn't have to switch into every special attack. Hydreigon can eliminate Ghost- and Psychic-types that Mega Altaria cannot easily break such as Alolan Marowak and Jirachi. Mega Altaria can easily take Fighting-type attacks from Keldeo and Terrakion in return. Choice Scarf Salamence can revenge kill Mega Diancie with Iron Tail for Mega Altaria. Choice Band Dragonite can hit Steel-types such as Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory with its coverage moves in Earthquake and Fire Punch.

Moves Return is Mega Altaria's STAB Fairy-type attack and hits Dragon-, Fighting-, and Dark-types such as Latios, Keldeo, and Mega Sableye. Dragon Dance makes Mega Altaria a powerful setup sweeper. Roost allows Mega Altaria to recover its HP, giving it sustainability. Earthquake can be used to get past Steel- and Poison-types that would otherwise wall Mega Altaria such as Heatran and Nidoking. Alternatively, Heal Bell can be used to allow Mega Altaria to rid it and its teammates of status aliments. Set Details Maximum Attack investment allows Mega Altaria to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment along with a Jolly nature allows Mega Altaria to be as fast as possible, outspeeding threats such as Dragonite and Breloom naturally and surpassing threats such as Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu at +1. Natural Cure is the preferred ability over Cloud Nine, as it allows Altaria to cure status if it switches. Altarianite allows Altaria to become Mega Altaria and gain the ability Pixilate, which turns Mega Altaria's Normal-type Attacks into Fairy-type attacks while also giving them a slight boost. Usage Tips It is usually best to remove entry hazards because Mega Altaria tends to need full health to successfully set up multiple Dragon Dances. Avoid unnecessarily switching Mega Altaria into attacks because that makes it a lot harder for Mega Altaria to take super effective hits from Mamoswine and Keldeo. It is usually best to use Dragon Dance on a predicted switch so that Mega Altaria doesn't have to take unnecessary damage. Since this Mega Altaria set doesn't have any defensive investment, it is best to bring it in after a fainted teammate. If Mega Altaria is running Heal Bell, preserve its PP so that Mega Altaria doesn't get crippled by status. Only reveal Heal Bell if it is absolutely necessary so that Mega Altaria can force out Pokemon such as Heatran and Gengar with the threat of Earthquake. Before trying to sweep late-game, make sure Mega Altaria's checks and counters are weakened or KOed so it can successfully sweep. If Mega Altaria cannot be revenge killed, it should be used to wallbreak early-game because few Pokemon can switch into Mega Altaria at +1. Mega Altaria is important and easily sweeps in the Dragon matchup, so it should be preserved until its checks such as Dragalge and Choice Scarf Salamence are eliminated. Team Options Mega Altaria is a great addition to any Dragon-type team due to its good bulk and immunity to Dragon-type attacks. Garchomp can set up Stealth Rock, making it much easier for Mega Altaria to sweep late-game, as well as check Swords Dance Mega Scizor with Fire Blast and eliminate Poison-types with its STAB Ground-type attacks. Latios can remove entry hazards with Defog and revenge kill threats that can revenge kill Mega Altaria such as Nidoking and Nihilego. Kyurem-B can eliminate some of Mega Altaria's checks and counters such as Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Toxapex with Ice Beam and Earth Power. Mega Altaria can easily take Fighting-type attacks for Kyurem-B in return. Dragonite can eliminate certain Steel-types that wall Mega Altaria such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Heatran with Fire Punch or Earthquake. Dragalge can set up Toxic Spikes, making it much easier for Mega Altaria to sweep late-game. Dragalge also can eliminate Fairy-types that give Mega Altaria trouble such as Azumarill and Tapu Koko. Hydreigon can take on bulky Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Jellicent and Slowbro, while Mega Altaria can eliminate Mega Sableye to let Hydreigon sweep Ghost teams with ease. Choice Scarf Salamence can revenge kill threats such as Mega Diancie and Tapu Koko with Iron Tail and Earthquake. Dragon Dance Salamence with Devastating Drake can be run to form a powerful wallbreaking core with Mega Altaria. Latias can remove hazards with Defog and use Healing Wish so that Mega Altaria can be played a bit more recklessly.

Moves Roost provides reliable healing, a necessity on a defensive Pokemon lacking Leftovers. The Normal-type move of choice is Mega Altaria's main attack; even without investment, both are consistent and deceptively powerful thanks to the Pixilate boost. Hyper Voice offers special offense, allowing Mega Altaria to check Substitute users and 2HKO physically defensive foes such as Landorus-T, Mega Slowbro, Rotom-W, and Gliscor. On the other hand, Return is generally stronger and can exploit the weaker physical defense of some important threats in the tier; to clarify, the likes of Assault Vest Conkeldurr, Mega Gallade, Mega Gyarados, and Thundurus are all OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, while Assault Vest Azumarill, Mega Beedrill, Sylveon, and Eviolite-less Chansey are threatened by a clean 2HKO. Heal Bell is a quick fix to status conditions, giving Altaria additional utility and a cleric and status absorber. Flamethrower and Earthquake provide additional coverage, ensuring that Mega Altaria is significantly more self-sufficient and not a sitting duck against certain Steel-types. If the extra coverage is not needed, Roar and Perish Song are support moves that force unwanted switches and counter setup sweepers such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Latias, and Suicune. Toxic is certainly an option for wearing down defensive foes, but it is overall wasteful on a Pokemon that usually attracts Steel-types, Poison-types, and defensive clerics. Finally, Draco Meteor allows Mega Altaria to OHKO Mega Charizard X, turning it into one of the best counters to said threat. Aside from that, however, it wastes a moveslot due to a lack of significant added power and coverage. Set Details The given EV spread, along with a Bold or Impish nature, allows Altaria to avoid being 2HKOed by Icy Wind from Keldeo, sun-boosted Fire Blast from Mega Charizard Y, Earthquake from maximum Attack Adamant Landorus-T, and Psyshock from Life Orb Latios. Alternatively, you can bump the Defense EVs to 132 to avoid being KOed by Azumarill's Play Rough followed by Aqua Jet. Use a Relaxed nature if you plan on using both a special and physical attack (i.e. Hyper Voice and Earthquake, or Return and Flamethrower). If you do, also invest a minimum of 4 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested base 70s such as Skarmory. Cloud Nine is the ability of choice, as it makes switching into Mega Charizard Y, Politoed, Omastar, and other weather-reliant Pokemon much easier prior to Mega Evolving. Heal Bell is a required move even though non-Mega Altaria has Natural Cure, because Altaria typically Mega Evolves immediately. Usage Tips This set is a dedicated pivot, capable of switching into numerous attacks and status moves while being able to stand on its own with Roost. Additionally, with Fire Blast or Earthquake, it can avoid being too passive against Steel-types, with the added benefit of being able to lure them in sometimes as well. If Altaria uses Roar or Perish Song instead, however, it plays a little differently. With Roar, Altaria can force unwanted switches and stack up residual damage immediately multiple times. Perish Song is better used on more defensively-based teams, as it acts as a win condition in last-Pokemon scenarios and can afford to be more passive on such teams without encouraging the opponent to switch as frequently. Switch out to a more capable teammate if either move brings out a threatening check or counter. The most important factor is to never overestimate Mega Altaria's bulk and walling abilities, as it lacks Leftovers and can only take so many powerful attacks at a time. To avoid difficult offensive pressure, do not switch into entry hazards frequently, and recover back to full health with Roost whenever you can help it. Team Options This particular set is a good fit on balanced teams that require a cleric and a great number of resistances in one package. Mega Altaria can confidently switch into Fire Blast, Lava Plume, Scald, Waterfall, Secret Sword, Thunderbolt, Knock Off, Draco Meteor, and other moves, which makes it an ideal partner to other semi-defensive Pokemon that fear said attacks. Notably, Mega Altaria creates a good core with Heatran, which can handle opposing Fairy-, Poison-, and Steel-types very well. Heatran can also utilize status moves, such as Lava Plume, Toxic, Taunt, and Will-O-Wisp, an area where Altaria typically lacks. Ferrothorn also complements Altaria well defensively, with multiple helpful moves such as Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, and Knock Off at its disposal. Excadrill is a more offensive choice, capable of switching into Altaria's weaknesses with impunity while also offering Ground-type coverage, Stealth Rock, or Rapid Spin support. Choice Specs Magnezone also pairs well with Altaria defensively while providing stellar utility with Magnet Pull, allowing it to trap and eliminate slower Steel-types that are troublesome to Altaria and the rest of its team. Mega Altaria can also find a home on Sandstorm teams, providing resistances to Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks while being able to cure status ailments for the likes of Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Excadrill. Because this set can force many Pokemon to switch as well as switch out itself frequently, entry hazard control is extremely beneficial. Entry hazard setters such as Skarmory, Tyranitar, and Excadrill are good examples of teammates that can set up hazards quickly and force threats out themselves, depending on your team. As Defog is an issue for this strategy, using Bisharp can keep Defog users in check. As noted in the Set Details, Altaria can switch into and survive a number of 2HKOs, but only if entry hazards are off the field, making their removal necessary. Fortunately, the aforementioned Skarmory and Excadrill, amongst other good choices like Starmie, are able to provide this.

Moves Mega Altaria's Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice packs great power, consistency, and coverage, as well as the occasionally handy ability to pierce Substitutes. Fire Blast roasts the many Steel-types that come in to tank Hyper Voice; with the simple combination of these two attacks, Mega Altaria achieves good all-around coverage against nearly every type of foe except for Fire-types. Roost provides reliable recovery, granting Altaria the ability to switch in and check threats multiple times. The last slot comes down to personal preference. Earthquake, despite being uninvested, provides precious coverage against the common Heatran, as well as other Fire-types in general. Heal Bell is an effective supportive alternative; Altaria is notable for being one of the few Pokemon that can viably use it on an offensive set due to its ability to force switches and hit hard. In the realm of supportive moves, Agility and Tailwind can give Altaria a chance to clean up weakened teams (and support its own in regards to the latter); however, Mega Altaria usually doesn't have the sheer power to KO certain foes and pull off consistent sweeps, making it outclassed in such a role. Perish Song and Roar are also notable support moves that allow Altaria to counter certain setup sweepers or force unwanted switches, respectively. Set Details The given EV spread prioritizes bulk, which is crucial for Mega Altaria to handle threats such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Charizard X, and special attacking power. The Speed EVs allow Altaria to outrun Jolly Azumarill; it is generally advised to invest a bit more in order to outspeed defensive Rotom-W and Landorus-T, which commonly run enough Speed to hit this benchmark. Depending on the team, more Speed can be run; some benchmarks include 240 for Adamant Bisharp (176 EVs) and even max Speed if outrunning Adamant Diggersby and slower base 100s is desired. Another option is 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Timid nature, sacrificing bulk to outspeed certain key threats, including Jolly Mega Heracross, Jolly Bisharp, Adamant Excadrill, Adamant Lucario, and Timid Heatran, as well as tie with opposing base 80 Speed Pokemon such as opposing Altaria, Mamoswine, and non-Mega Gallade. Cloud Nine is the preferred ability, as it gives Altaria a chance to outrun and check Swift Swim Kingdra, Mega Swampert, Sand Rush Excadrill, and other weather sweepers before Mega Evolving. Additionally, this set isn't particularly bothered by status by virtue of being a hit-and-run attacker. If absorbing attacks such as Scald, Lava Plume, and Spore is significant for its team, feel free to use Natural Cure, though keep in mind that Altaria is usually Mega Evolved and can use Heal Bell to achieve such a purpose. Usage Tips The most important aspect of this set is to focus on pivoting; avoid using it as a sweeper, as it lacks the sheer firepower or Speed to do so (as opposed to the frailer but more fast and powerful Mega Gardevoir and Mega Diancie). Specifically, take advantage of its combination of typing, bulk, coverage, and access to recovery in order to check, counter, or lure in an extensive number of threats in the tier, including but certainly not limited to Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, Rotom-W, Keldeo, and Serperior, as well as Heatran (with Earthquake). If healthy enough, however, it makes a great cleaner after the opponent's special walls have been weakened or eliminated. When applicable, one way to lure in physical walls is to preemptively use Earthquake, which may cause the opponent to think that Altaria is physical and immediately switch in their physical Mega Altaria counter. Team Options This Altaria is mostly self-sufficient, focusing on supporting teammates defensively and offensively rather than sweeping itself. The only real offensive support it requires is against specially defensive Pokemon, which usually prevent Altaria from freely tossing out special attacks. As most specially defensive Pokemon besides Chansey and Celebi are usually Fairy-types such as Clefable, Sylveon, and Togekiss, using Steel-type teammates is a good answer. For example, stallbreaker Heatran can trap and weaken Chansey and other special walls with a combination of Magma Storm, Taunt, and Toxic. Ferrothorn can confidently switch into and threaten a number of Fairy-types while providing excellent support with Thunder Wave and entry hazards. Excadrill can flat-out KO these threats with Iron Head while providing either Stealth Rock or Rapid Spin support. Because of its coverage, Altaria is able to lure in and weaken a number of Steel-types such as Heatran with Earthquake while chipping away at other Pokemon with Hyper Voice. This makes Altaria an ideal partner for fast sweepers and cleaners that appreciate such Pokemon gone, such as Talonflame, Dragonite, Gyarados, Latios, Volcarona, and Serperior. Another notable teammate is Calm Mind Clefable; while it may seem odd and impractical to pair two similar Fairy-types together, Altaria is able to lure in and handle troublesome Steel-types, giving Clefable much more breathing room to do its work. Of course, this results in a double Steel- and Poison-type weakness, so additional insurance is required against these two types. Additionally, this Altaria can fit well on typical sandstorm team archetypes due to its resistances to Water-, Bug-, Dragon-, Fighting-, and Grass-type attacks. In this case, it can be partnered up with Hippowdon or Tyranitar, which provide a good defensive backbone as well as Stealth Rock support, and especially with Sand Rush Excadrill, a deadly force that synergizes extremely well with Altaria offensively and defensively.

Moves Dragon Dance turns Mega Altaria into a deadly sweeper. Substitute allows it to turn its checks into setup fodder by ignoring burn or Toxic attempts from the likes of Cofagrigus, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Frustration allows Mega Altaria to threaten Pokemon like Keldeo, Latios, Latias, Mega Medicham, and Mega Lopunny super effectively. Finally, Earthquake busts through Fire- and Steel-types like Volcanion, Heatran, and Excadrill. Set Details The given EV spread ensures that Cofagrigus's Hex does not break Mega Altaria's Substitute in one hit while also letting it outspeed Weavile at +1. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Attack alongside an Adamant nature so that it can still hit as hard as possible. Natural Cure is Altaria's preferred pre-Mega ability, allowing it to act as a status sponge before Mega Evolving and preventing it from being crippled by status before setting up. Usage Tips Mega Altaria fills the role of a primary late-game cleaner while also additionally being able to function as an early-game wallbreaker. Mega Altaria should conserve as much HP as possible so that its chance at sweeping isn't ruined. Therefore, the best scenarios to bring it in are aggressive switches and after a teammate has fainted. It should not attempt a sweep if checks and counters such as Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur are still active; therefore, it is best to ensure they are removed or weakened before Mega Altaria can attempt to sweep late-game. If it is used early-game, it should be used to wallbreak for its teammates, as not many Pokemon aside from Mega Lopunny, Mega Alakazam, and Choice Scarf users such as Excadrill and Volcanion can outrun Mega Altaria at +1. However, Mega Altaria should be mindful of the presence of certain checks such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Talonflame, as they can take Frustration and Earthquake very easily and threaten it out with their STAB moves. The best setup opportunities for Mega Altaria are safe switch-ins and against defensive Pokemon that cannot break its Substitute easily such as Cofagrigus and Rotom-W. When Altaria should Mega Evolve depends on the current situation; delaying Mega Evolution has benefits such as keeping Natural Cure to switch into status from the likes of Rotom-W, Lava Plume Heatran, and Glare Serperior and setting up against Ground-types such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T locked into Earthquake. Unless Altaria needs to make use of Nature Cure and its Ground immunity, it should Mega Evolve immediately. Keep in mind that regular Altaria is vulnerable to Stealth Rock and is weak to Dragon-type moves before Mega Evolving. Once Altaria Mega Evolves, it removes the Stealth Rock weakness and greatly augments its typing, letting it set up against the likes of Latios and Dragonite. Team Options This set shines best on hyper offense teams. As a result, a dedicated lead such as Excadrill, Taunt Mew, Imprison Landorus-T, or Rocky Helmet Aerodactyl is helpful, as it can prevent entry hazards from being set up on the opening turn while setting up crucial hazards of their own. Serperior is a fantastic partner for Mega Altaria, providing great utility through dual screens, while preventing any setup attempts or hazards with Taunt or providing Glare support to cripple faster threats such as Mega Alakazam. Additionally, it can run Hidden Power Fire or Rock to lure one of Mega Altaria's checks such as Ferrothorn or Talonflame. Mega Altaria appreciates partners such as Volcarona, Manaphy, and Bisharp, as they can overwhelm each other's checks to sweep later in the game. Volcarona is a fearsome sweeper with great coverage, getting relatively free entries against Pokemon like Mega Scizor, which allows easy setup opportunities while threatening Flame Body burns. Manaphy can set up with Tail Glow, letting it break past bulkier Pokemon that Mega Altaria struggles to deal with such as Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur with Psychic and Quagsire with Energy Ball, while Mega Altaria handles the likes of Serperior, which threatens Manaphy. Bisharp acts as a potent setup sweeper, dissuading hazard removal and Intimidate while threatening checks such as Clefable and Slowbro. It also chips Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Rocky Helmet Landorus-T and threatens revenge killers like Excadrill with Sucker Punch, allowing Mega Altaria to wallbreak more easily. Magnezone can trap and remove Steel-types like Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor, relieving a lot of pressure for Mega Altaria. Hazard removal is also mandatory, so partners like Defog Latias are highly recommended. Notably, Latias can provide Healing Wish support so that Mega Altaria has another chance at sweeping, as well as potentially acting as a backup dual screens setter.

Moves Return boasts consistency, good single-move coverage, and power on its own even without investment or boosts. The combination of Dragon Dance and Roost allows Altaria to slowly, but safely, become faster and stronger while maintaining its health. This set's playstyle slightly depends on the move being used in the last slot. Heal Bell instantly cures status conditions that Mega Altaria and its team might have contracted while setting up or switching in, and it is especially crucial when considering this set's vulnerability to burn, paralysis, and poison. Substitute blocks status instead of curing it, in addition to scouting and protecting Altaria from dangerous attacks. Earthquake provides additional coverage against Heatran as well as other Fire- and Steel-types, but it leaves Altaria horribly vulnerable to status; it should also be noted that a 2x resisted Return is just as powerful as a neutral Earthquake. Another option to consider is Refresh, which has more PP than Heal Bell and prevents Altaria from losing against exceptionally persistent status users. However, it does not cure status for the entire team and loses out on great utility. Facade can replace Return to take advantage of any status conditions Altaria has taken. However, it is greatly reliant on the opponent having status users in the first place, making it situational and somewhat contradictory with Heal Bell or Substitute. Set Details The given EV spread along with an Impish nature optimizes Altaria's defenses and is ideal for setting up Dragon Dance. 28 Speed EVs are required to outrun Mega Lopunny and Manectric at +2, and to outrun maximum Speed Azumarill when unboosted. 252 HP / 136 Def / 92 SpD narrowly prevents KOs from some commonly feared, powerful attacks; for instance, Mega Altaria can't be 2HKOed by Choice Band Dragonite's Earthquake, Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Mega Heracross's Rock Blast, and +1 Jolly Mega Charizard X's Flare Blitz, and it cannot be OHKOed by Jolly Mega Beedrill's Poison Jab and Azumarill's Play Rough. A spread of 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe with a Jolly nature gives enough Speed to outrun maximum Speed Thundurus at +1, but it makes Mega Altaria significantly less bulky. A specially defensive spread is also worth consideration, although Mega Altaria is generally more suited for taking common physical attacks. Usage Tips This set is a hybrid of the support and offensive Dragon Dance sets; it utilizes its bulk and typing to check opposing threats as well as set up multiple boosts safely. While this set is bulky enough to set up on many foes, it is easily checked and walled due to the lack of immediate power and coverage. Therefore, setting up Dragon Dance boosts early-game is not recommended. During this time, however, Mega Altaria can act as an excellent defensive Pokemon that can soak up hits, recover, and hit back hard. After its checks and counters have been either weakened or eliminated mid- to late-game, Mega Altaria can then use Dragon Dance as a win condition. In regards to Dragon Dance, this set requires more than a couple of boosts to really get going. However, with its good bulk and typing in addition to having several status prevention methods, it can set up on many threats with little problem. With Heal Bell specifically, it can confidently set up in the face of defensive Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Thundurus, Chansey, Politoed, Alomomola, Ice Beam-less Slowbro, and both formes of Mega Charizard. Substitute requires more prediction, as Altaria then can't switch directly into status, but it yields great results when used on the opponent's predicted switches. In such a situation, Altaria can choose to either set up or hit the switch-in with Return while behind a Substitute. Team Options Defensively speaking, this set is self-sufficient, only really needing Rapid Spin or Defog support to guarantee survival of the KOs listed in the Set Details. On the other hand, it requires a tremendous amount of offensive support, as it has very limited coverage and power. Assuming it runs mono-Fairy coverage, Altaria definitely needs partners to take care of Steel- and Poison-types, among other foes such as Unaware Clefable. Magnezone can be used to for trap Steel-types, although a backup plan must be made if defensive Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn run Shed Shell. Heatran is an excellent partner due to its defensive and offensive synergy with Altaria, using its coverage to take care of all opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fairy-types while wearing down switch-ins with Lava Plume or Toxic. Likewise, Pokemon such as Latios, Hidden Power Fire Serperior, Fire Punch Diggersby, Choice Specs Dragalge, Dragonite, Breloom, and Superpower Azumarill are great choices, as they can lure in and deal huge damage to the aforementioned threats. Because this set is defensive in nature, it fits better on balanced teams that benefit from its unique set of resistances and don't mind its slow setup. An emphasis on offense is recommended to cover this set's lack of offensive sufficiency and ensure the team isn't entirely reliant on Altaria. Running another sweeper such as Thundurus, Excadrill, Manaphy, Volcarona, or Gyarados ensures there are other options to turn to in case Mega Altaria is unable to sweep. Altaria, in turn, can help these threats out by switching into their counters and providing Heal Bell support.

Moves Draco Meteor, backed by STAB and Life Orb, is Altaria's strongest move and can severely dent a large portion of the tier. Fire Blast hits Steel-types hard, OHKOing Pawniard and 2HKOing Metang and Klang. It also lets Altaria 2HKO bulky Roselia after Stealth Rock damage and OHKO offensive Grass-types without dropping its Special Attack. Altaria needs Roost to stay healthy after taking Stealth Rock damage, Life Orb recoil, and hits from Pokemon such as Monferno that it can switch in on. Toxic is Altaria's most useful fourth move, wearing down bulkier Pokemon such as Audino, Politoed, and Stunfisk. Earthquake grants Altaria a notable 2HKO on Probopass and Muk; it also aids in wearing down Stunfisk after a Draco Meteor and 2HKOes Pawniard if Altaria is at -2. Finally, Dragon Pulse can be used a secondary STAB option. Set Details With the given EVs, Altaria's offensive capabilities are simply maximized by heightening its Special Attack and Speed. Life Orb boosts Altaria's power even further, granting it KOs on numerous offensive Pokemon with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. A Modest nature lets Altaria hit noticeably harder, securing an OHKO on offensive Arbok, for instance. A Timid nature allows Altaria to outspeed the likes of neutral-natured Stoutland, Monferno, and Gabite. With Natural Cure, Altaria doesn't need to worry much about switching into moves like Toxic or Will-O-Wisp. Cloud Nine is feasible to cancel out Swift Swim, Sand Rush, and Chlorophyll. Usage Tips Altaria should use its typing and bulk to switch into common Pokemon it can check, including Monferno, Rapidash, and Leafeon. Because Steel-types such as Metang are likely to switch directly into Altaria, it should attempt to hit them with Fire Blast on the switch, as the Special Attack drops from using Draco Meteor will render it unable to 2HKO them. Altaria can use Toxic on its checks early-game to wear them down and make it more difficult for them to safely switch into Draco Meteor. Avoid using Draco Meteor if sweepers such as Gorebyss and Regice can use -2 Altaria as setup fodder. Team Options Roselia is an ideal teammate for Altaria; its Spikes support greatly helps wear down Altaria's checks, and it can handle the fast Electric- and Water-types that threaten Altaria. Pawniard is an excellent partner as well, pressuring the special walls that can switch into Altaria and threatening its offensive checks with Sucker Punch. While not completely necessary, entry hazard removal from Vullaby or Swanna helps Altaria switch in and out of the field more freely; however, these Pokemon may stack weaknesses to attackers like Zebstrika and Floatzel. Partners like Focus Sash Kadabra and Choice Scarf users such as Rotom-F can check sweepers that could potentially take advantage of Altaria after a Draco Meteor. Similarly, threatening Ice-types such as Rotom-F, Articuno, and Regice can come in for free after Altaria gets a kill, so teammates that can sponge their attacks, such as Grumpig and Audino, are needed.

Moves Dragon Dance boosts Altaria's Attack and Speed, turning it into a bulky setup sweeper. Dragon Claw is a reliable STAB attack that has great neutral coverage with few foes resisting it. Roost keeps Altaria healthy as it sets up and prevents it from being worn down too easily. Cotton Guard boosts Altaria's Defense, allowing it to set up easily on even the strongest of physical attackers. Heal Bell can be used to cure Altaria and its teammates of any status ailment without having to switch out; Refresh is also usable and comes with more PP. Substitute lets Altaria set up without fear against more passive foes such as Stunfisk and Hex Misdreavus. Set Details The EVs and nature allow Altaria to outspeed Zebstrika after one Dragon Dance while maximizing Altaria's special bulk in order for it to shrug off hits from foes such as Kadabra and Ninetales. Natural Cure is Altaria's most useful ability, providing it with some safety if it happens to be inflicted by status. Leftovers is the best option for this set to maximize Altaria's longevity. The investment can be placed into Defense if Altaria forgoes Cotton Guard. Usage Tips Altaria can be used primarily as a check to offensive threats such as Simisage and Leafeon. If Altaria is going for a sweep, it needs significant prior damage on both offensive and defensive Pokemon. Mr. Mime and Clefairy must be eliminated for Altaria to sweep. Steel-types, in addition to these uncommon Fairy-types, should be eliminated for Altaria to sweep more easily, although it can outlast Pawniard and Metang lacking Toxic with Cotton Guard. However, Altaria can use several defensive Pokemon as setup fodder, including Stunfisk. Team Options Altaria works well on balanced teams as a defensive pivot and check to many common threats that also doubles as a bulky setup sweeper. Magnet Pull Probopass can trap the Steel-types that trouble Altaria and can check Clefairy and Mr. Mime. Audino complements Altaria well, checking the Water-types and other wallbreakers that threaten Altaria while Altaria can switch into the likes of Monferno. Entry hazard support, especially Spikes and Toxic Spikes, can aid in putting significant pressure on the opponent as Altaria sets up.

Moves Flamethrower targets Pokemon such as Pawniard, Metang, and Leafeon, allowing Altaria to more easily check them. Toxic can be useful to wear down Pokemon such as Vullaby, Stunfisk, and Solrock, letting Altaria's teammates handle its switch-ins more easily and potentially allowing Altaria's team to outlast the opponent's entry hazard control. Heal Bell lets Altaria act as a cleric for its team, while Haze allows it to stop set up sweepers such as Duosion which could set up on it. Lastly Roost keeps Altaria healthy throughout the game. Set Details The given EV spread maximizes Altaria's physical bulk while allowing it to outspeed base 60 Speed Pokemon, particularly Pawniard. Leftovers is used for passive recovery and decreasing reliance on Roost. With Natural Cure, Altaria can disregard status effects from Pokemon like Stunfisk upon switching out. Usage Tips Altaria should be used as a check or counter to Pokemon such as Jumpluff, Leafeon, Monferno, and Pawniard. It should be weary of switch in with Stealth Rocks up if weakened, however it can still counter what it needs to even after taking one round of Stealth Rock damage. Team Options Physically defensive Altaria should primarily be used on balance or stall teams as a switch-in to the likes of Jumpluff, Leafeon, Monferno, and Pawniard. Altaria appreciates Defog support from Vullaby or evem Rapid Spin support from Avalugg. Audino works extremely well with Altaria, taking on many of the Water- and Electric types that can give Altaria trouble. Ice resists such as Grumpig and Politoed are also crucial teammates.

Moves This set focuses on Altaria's sweeping capabilities with Dragon Dance. Dragon Claw is a decently powerful, reliable STAB move that provides consistent damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types super effectively. Roost keeps Altaria healthy as it switches into Stealth Rock and sets up. Outrage can be used for a much more powerful STAB move, but it locks Altaria in, which can be detrimental in the presence of Steel-types or if Altaria hasn't boosted enough to KO a certain foe. Set Details Running 192 Speed EVs lets Altaria outspeed Zebstrika after a Dragon Dance. Altaria's Attack is maximized with an Adamant nature and 252 Attack EVs, with the rest of the investment being placed into HP to slightly increase its bulk. Natural Cure lets Altaria heal itself of status if it's inflicted with one by something like Stunfisk, Kadabra, or Gourgeist. Yache Berry helps Altaria take one Ice-type move to allow it to set up a necessary Dragon Dance against a foe like Floatzel or Zebstrika. On the other hand, Leftovers helps Altaria set up more comfortably against Pokemon that try to wear it down with weaker attacks. Usage Tips Because Altaria is relatively weak, it should be saved until the late-game to use Dragon Dance as many times as possible before attacking; Altaria usually needs at least two boosts to KO even frail Pokemon without significant prior damage. However, Altaria can also be utilized mid-game as a check to threats like Monferno and Leafeon, recovering off the damage taken as needed. Physically defensive walls, especially Clefairy, must be eliminated before Altaria attempts to set up. Team Options Wallbreakers such as Swords Dance Bouffalant and Choice Band Leafeon can help weaken or KO the defensive Pokemon that trouble Altaria. Spikes support from Roselia, Quilladin, or Venipede makes it significantly easier for Altaria to sweep; for example, with Stealth Rock and Spikes damage, Altaria only needs one boost to KO frailer offensive Pokemon such as Floatzel and Mr. Mime. Healing Wish support from Mr. Mime is also appreciated.

Moves Altaria is one of only three Pokemon in the game to receive Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice, one of the strongest special spread attacks in the game, and Altaria's natural bulk allows it to survive long enough to use it. A Fire-type move is for coverage on common Grass- and Steel-types, which otherwise wall Hyper Voice. Fire Blast deals the most damage, ensuring KOs on Ferrothorn, Amoonguss and Bisharp, but Flamethrower's 100% accuracy is hard to pass up, and it still hits hard. Tailwind is used to supplement Altaria's base 80 Speed, allowing it to outspeed a majority of the unboosted metagame, and support Altaria's teammates. Hidden Power Ground lets Altaria hit Heatran. Protect is a staple of VGC, allowing Altaria to scout, stall Trick Room and weather pre or post Mega-Evolution, and retain some longevity in a fast-paced game. Set Details 252 HP EVs allow Altaria to survive max Special Attack Mega Charizard Y's Overheat in sun, as well as max Attack Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Salamence's Double-Edge. 60 Speed EVs under Tailwind are enough for Mega Altaria to outspeed Choice Scarf Adamant Landorus-T and all other Pokemon under 215 Speed, with Mega Altaria only being outsped by +1 Sharpedo, and positive-natured Mega Alakazam, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Aerodactyl. The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack to allow Altaria to hit as hard as possible, OHKOing threats such as Mega Salamence and Bisharp. Usage Tips Altaria is not a standalone Pokemon and will need a good amount of team support and prediction to use effectively. However, users should not be afraid of leaving Altaria out of the fray if needed. Altaria is also best not used as a lead, so that it can use its Cloud Nine ability after weather has been activated, or come in as a bulky sweeper after some damage has already been dealt to opponents. However, despite its bulk, it doesn't always need to be the last Pokemon to survive either, and can be effectively used to deal massive amounts of damage to allow another Pokemon to clean up and secure the win. Team Options Speed control is necessary. Suicune is a good Tailwind user, and its Ice Beam can often KO Mega Salamence with some investment, while Scald threatens Mega Metagross and Mega Mawile with a 30% burn chance. Cresselia also offers a lot of bulk and Icy Wind alongside Thunder Wave and Helping Hand, ensuring Altaria gets that extra boost in damage to hit neutral targets harder. Other priority users such as Thundurus and Talonflame help in a similar fashion, with priority speed control in Thunder Wave and Tailwind, respectively. Gengar also offers interesting support, with Icy Wind and Disable alongside great Speed. Intimidate is also good team support, ensuring longevity. Teammates such as 88 Speed Landorus-T often tempt out Bisharp, and Altaria can OHKO Bisharp before it uses Iron Head while resisting Sucker Punch. Arcanine can spread burns, has reliable healing in Morning Sun, and scares away Steel-types. Gyarados also has synergy with Altaria, offering different types of support, including Thunder Wave, Taunt, and Toxic alongside Intimidate, or offensive presence from offensive variants, while Mega Altaria's Electric resistance complements Gyarados's Steel resistance.

Altaria's rare Dragon / Flying typing also gives it a defensive niche. It is one of the few Pokemon that can take on RU powerhouses such as Magmortar and Typhlosion, and its typing lets it take on common Water- and Fire-type attacks. Roost is Altaria's reliable recovery move and lets it continuously wall threats throughout the game, healing off residual damage from Stealth Rock and resisted attacks. Dragon Pulse is Altaria's only attack and prevents it from being useless when Taunted. Heal Bell is a rather rare move that Altaria can use to support its teammates, curing any status on your team. Lastly, Roar phazes away dangerous setup sweepers hoping to capitalize on Altaria's weak offensive prowess. It also stacks up more entry hazard damage on your opponents. However, Toxic is Altaria's best way of doing damage, and lets it Roost-stall the opposition. The EV spread is the standard for any specially defensive wall. Maximum investment in Special Defense and HP ensures that Altaria can take on many of the special attacking powerhouses in the RU tier. A physically defensive spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD lets Altaria take on various physical attackers; however, Altaria's Defense stat isn't as impressive as it Special Defense stat. Leftovers provides consistent recovery and helps Altaria avoid certain 2HKOs. Natural Cure is an amazing ability for a wall as it practically eliminates the most common way to take down a wall, Toxic. Although Altaria can already run Heal Bell, it is extremely useful to just be able to switch out and cure any status on Altaria. Although Altaria gets Roar to take care of stat boosters, Altaria can also use Perish Song as a phazing move. It will force your opponent out after a few turns and is excellent when dealing with a last Pokemon on your opponent's team. Instead of Dragon Pulse, Altaria can use Dragon Claw as its sole attack; while it has less Base Power than Dragon Pulse, it is useful for taking down more specially defensive threats that Altaria walls such as Slowking. As Altaria is a team supporter itself, it stands to reason that it doesn't need much help from its teammates. However, there are a few things one can do to help Altaria do its job. Rapid Spin support is great for Altaria as it hates having to lose 25% of its health from switching into Stealth Rock. Pokemon such as Kabutops and Cryogonal are great candidates, as both also resist the Ice-type attacks directed at Altaria. Physically defensive Steel-types, such as Steelix, form a powerful defensive core with Altaria, as they can take Dragon-type attacks and cover Altaria's weaker Defense. In return, Altaria sponges Fire- and Water-type attacks directed at Steelix and Aggron.

Base 70 Special Attack seems rather pathetic in a tier that boasts special attackers with offensive stats reaching 125. However, Altaria's unique STAB and access to Draco Meteor mean that it can still cleave through teams with a special attacking set. Dragon is only resisted by Steel-types, which are few and far between in RU, and any Steel-type that dares to confront Altaria will be quickly melted with a Fire Blast. Draco Meteor is Altaria's main weapon; with it, Altaria can 2HKO most of the metagame. Only the bulkiest special walls will be able to repeatedly switch into Altaria's Choice Specs or Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteor. Unfortunately, the cost of such power is an unsavory Special Attack drop which can sometimes render Altaria as setup bait. Choice Specs sets can instead use Dragon Pulse as a more reliable STAB attack while Life Orb sets can Power Swap away the Special Attack drop onto unsuspecting opponents. Power Swap also gives Altaria a unique way to combat special boosters such as Calm Mind Mesprit or Uxie. After letting them boost up a few times, Altaria can turn your opponent's boosts against them, smacking them with a boosted Draco Meteor. In the last slot, Altaria can take advantage of its excellent bulk with a recovery move; Rest is used on Choice Specs sets to cure Altaria fully. Upon switching out, Natural Cure will heal Altaria of its sleep condition. Roost is a more useful option on the Life Orb set as it doesn't force Altaria to switch. The EVs maximize Altaria's rather low Special Attack stat while ensuring it can still outspeed Timid Omastar. The remaining EVs are placed in HP to take advantage of Altaria's excellent bulk. If you want Altaria to be faster, then maximizing Speed is also an option, but Altaria already outspeeds most walls and appreciates the bulk to help take on offensive Pokemon. As Altaria can do little to Pokemon such as Probopass and Aggron, Altaria can use Hidden Power Ground instead of Dragon Pulse. Hidden Power Ground also hits other Steel-types so it is a viable, although much weaker, alternative to Fire Blast. Despite Altaria's great coverage and power, it is still easily walled by special walls such as Clefable and Slowking. Therefore, a powerful wallbreaker, such as Aggron or Escavalier, can be used as an offensive partner. Both also resist Ice- and Dragon-type attacks directed at Altaria while Aggron also sponges Rock-type attacks. Druddigon is another great partner for Altaria as it can clean up weakened teams after Altaria has lured and destroyed Steel-types such as Steelix and Aggron. Rapid Spin support is also very useful as the Special Attack drop that comes with Draco Meteor will force Altaria to switch out often. Pokemon such as Kabutops and Cryogonal can use Rapid Spin while also covering Altaria's large Ice weakness.

Altaria's Flying typing, great natural bulk, and the ability to straight up not care about status gives it a niche over Dragonair as a defensive Dragon Dance user. This set is super easy to set up when used on a team with Magneton support, as it ensures that Steel-types are out of the picture before sweeping the other team. This set also easily fits on stall-based teams as a win condition to sweep late-game, since it offers a ton of resistances, an immunity to Toxic Spikes, and great coverage in just Dragon Claw. Dragon Claw is used over Outrage so that Altaria can come in and tank, as it limits Altaria's susceptibility to being revenge killed since it can immediately switch out if need be. Plus, it takes a few boosts for Altaria to get very threatening anyway, so it can afford the drop in power. Safeguard or Heal Bell lets Altaria set up on Pokemon like Slowking, Qwilfish, and Amoonguss without worrying about status. Safeguard is preferred because it totally blocks paralysis and sleep, though Hell Bell helps the whole team and allows Altaria to switch into status (other than sleep) and heal it off. It should be noted that Safeguard does not prevent the confusion from Outrage as well should you choose to go with that. 64 Speed EVs lets Altaria outpace positive-natured base 95s after a boost, and the specially defensive spread lowers the chance that Altaria is 2HKOed by Ice Beam from Slowking and Lanturn if it Roosts and then sets up. As stated before, Outrage can go over Dragon Claw, but the point of this set is to be able to sweep without anything getting in its way, so the confusion side effect is not wanted; an offensive Dragon Dance set makes better use of Outrage anyway. Magneton support is amazing for this set since it uses mono-Dragon coverage, and having Steel-types out of the way makes the sweep easier. Magneton can also leave a nice dent in Tangrowth, Alomomola, and other bulky Pokemon that can tank a couple Dragon Claws. Altaria will never get so obscenely strong that it'll OHKO the opponent with Dragon Claw, even at +6. However, that isn't a problem for Altaria as it can simply out-tank a huge portion of the tier. While it won't OHKO many opponents, it easily 2HKOes most of the tier after a couple of boosts, and is rarely even 4HKOed in return by most defensive Pokemon. When beginning to set up, Safeguard should be used first to block status, followed by Dragon Dance. Use Roost when necessary, and begin the onslaught once Altaria outspeeds the entirety of the opponent's team. Be wary of bringing out Altaria too early though, as it can be revenge killed by most physical Rock-type moves, most notably Stone Edge from Choice Band Entei and Rock Blast from Crustle and Rhydon. Teams that have a bit of a problem with Fighting-types should choose Altaria over Dragonair as a defensive Dragon Dance user. The Ground-type, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes immunities are also other perks that Altaria offers over other Dragon-types in RU. Rapid Spin support is needed for Altaria, and Kabutops is probably best to provide it, though Cryogonal works better on more defensive teams. Altaria absolutely demolishes Fire / Water / Grass cores, so teams that benefit from that will love Altaria. It provides a nice defensive backbone in the early- and mid-game, and a formidable sweeper in the late-game once Steel- and Rock-type Pokemon are out of the way.

Like many of its fellow Dragon-types, Altaria can pull off an offensive Dragon Dance set. Although its attacks aren't nearly as powerful as that of the Dragon-types in upper tiers, the relative lack of Steel-types in RU means that Altaria will have little trouble slicing through your opponent's team after a few boosts. Dragon Dance increases both Altaria's Attack and Speed stats to respectable levels; after a couple of boosts, almost nothing in RU will be able to stomach Altaria's assaults. Outrage is Altaria's STAB move of choice, and lets it pummel its foe with an anger-fueled, 100% accurate, 120 Base Power STAB attack. Unfortunately, it locks Altaria in and forces it to become confused after a few turns, so it should be used with caution. Earthquake provides amazing coverage alongside Outrage, hitting Steel-types such as Steelix and Magneton hard. Lastly, Roost is used to take advantage of Altaria's great natural bulk while setting up. It also removes Stealth Rock and Life Orb damage that Altaria will no doubt accumulate throughout the game. A Life Orb, Adamant nature, and fully offensive EV spread makes the most of Altaria's offenses. However, Leftovers can be used instead as Altaria has excellent bulk which helps it set up. Like other sweepers, Altaria is fairly easy to play with, as it can easily set up Dragon Dances on most resisted moves, potentially obtaining two or more boosts. From then on, Altaria can outspeed almost every Pokemon in the tier and fire off its Dragon-type STAB attacks. As Outrage has the drawback of locking Altaria in and causing confusion, Dragon Claw is a more reliable, albeit weaker, option for Altaria. Natural Cure, although less useful for Altaria than it is on support variants, still helps Altaria significantly, ensuring that a stray Thunder Wave or burn from Scald doesn't cripple Altaria for the rest of the match. However, in order to activate Natural Cure, Altaria must switch out, which removes any boosts it might have obtained. Although Altaria can hit everything in the tier for at least neutral damage, it still struggles against defensive behemoths such as Tangrowth and Steelix. Therefore, Pokemon such as Magneton are excellent partners for Altaria, as Magneton traps and disposes of almost every Steel-type in the tier, paving the way for an Altaria sweep. As Altaria detests Stealth Rock, a Rapid Spin user such as Kabutops or Cryogonal makes a good teammate.

Altaria reaches 354 HP and 339 Special Defense with the given EV spread, allowing it to wall a variety of special attackers when combined with its unique set of resistances, including Fire- and Grass-type moves. Dragon Pulse is Altaria's most reliable STAB move and has decent neutral coverage, but it won't hit very hard at all. Heal Bell is a very useful move to rid Altaria's team of status and isn't too widespread, allowing Altaria to fill a useful niche. Roost is its all-important healing move, letting it stay around for a good amount of time. Perish Song is preferred in the last slot as a way to phaze the opponent, though Altaria itself must switch after use or else it will be KOed. Toxic is another option to inflict deadly poison on bulkier Pokemon, wearing them down for teammates to finish off. Flamethrower can also be used to hit Steel-types that resist Dragon Pulse. Roar is an alternative phazing move that works immediately if that is desired, although many other Pokemon can use that move to greater effect. Pokemon with Ice-type moves are the biggest threat to this Altaria. Examples of these are Nidoking and Weavile. Technician Hitmontop can use Mach Punch on Weavile which allows it to work well with Altaria. Snorlax is an option for a teammate that easily walls Nidoking, as Nidoking is almost always using specially-based sets. Snorlax can even take an Earthquake from a mixed set as well. Escavalier is another good teammate, able to take the moves Weavile uses and KOing with Iron Head. Steel-types in general have great synergy with Altaria, as together they combine to resist every type but Electric.

Unlike the previous set, which aims to deal damage quickly, this set attempts to use Altaria's natural defenses to gain multiple boosts before sweeping with a reliable move. Dragon Dance and Roost are the crux of this set, allowing Altaria to set up and heal. Dragon Claw is chosen over Outrage, as Dragon Claw is much more reliable, not forcing Altaria to be locked in or become confused. In the last slot, Heal Bell is an option to heal status that Altaria may take while setting up, but the move has problems with low PP. Safeguard has much higher PP and can protect Altaria and its teammates from status for five turns. It can't get rid of a status that's already there though, making it a bit risky. Altaria mostly sets up on Fire- and Grass-type Pokemon here, but it can also do so on Fighting-types that lack Stone Edge or even Water-types with low Special Attack, as Altaria can actually heal off their damage by using Roost on an incoming Ice Beam. Altaria can invest some EVs in Attack at expense of its Special Defense, but this is not recommended due to the importance of its defenses on this set. Magneton again makes a solid teammate, trapping and KOing Steel-types that can easily get in Altaria's way with their resistance to Dragon-type moves. Hitmontop works as well, dealing with Ice-types wanting to get in an Ice Shard. Grass-types such as Shaymin are good teammates as well, providing a bit of backup against bulky Water-types, especially those with Roar, such as Suicune.

Altaria takes quite an offensive approach with this set, aiming to deal damage hard and fast. Dragon Dance is Altaria's choice to boost its stats, reaching 393 Attack and 388 Speed with an Adamant nature after a single use. Outrage deals the most damage out of Altaria's physical Dragon-type moves, making it the primary option. Earthquake is Altaria's best coverage move, denting Steel-types that resist Outrage. Finally, Roost is used as Altaria's way to heal damage taken while sweeping, and its ability to take hits and heal off damage shouldn't be underestimated. Adamant is the preferred nature since Altaria needs all the power it can get, but Jolly is an option for outspeeding base 130 Speed Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Crobat after just one Dragon Dance. Fire Blast could be used over Roost to hit Escavalier, which is hit neutral by Earthquake, but Escavalier isn't common enough to be worth a moveslot. Altaria appreciates other Dragon-types as teammates, as they can wear down their similar counters and allow one another to sweep. Kingdra and Flygon are good Dragon-types to consider. Magneton is a good teammate as well, as it can trap and KO Escavalier, which can be troublesome otherwise. Lastly, Hitmontop can be a good check to Ice-types such as Weavile that could stop Altaria's sweep with Ice Shard.